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Sassafras
oils are distilled from the tree bark or roots. The essential oils are
used to flavor candies and teas. The oils are used for aromatherapy and as
fragrance additives to perfumes and soaps. Though I haven’t gotten these
results, the leaves are said to repel mosquitoes.
The
leaves are dried and ground to make file’ powder which is a staple
ingredient in file’ gumbo.
Now
for the bad and the ugly part of this plant. Sassafras contains a chemical
known as safrole. Safrole has a sweet candy-like scent. Safrole was used
to make sassafras teas until not too long ago. The U.S. Food and Drug
Administration has banned the use of safrole in the making of candies,
teas, soaps and even perfumes because it is considered to be mildly
carcinogenic.
Though
safrole is still sold, if you attempt to buy large quantities of this oil
it will raise the suspicion of the law enforcement agencies. Safrole is
currently a List I chemical with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Among
other illegal uses of safrole, it is a key ingredient in the manufacturing
process of the drug Ecstasy.
Will
those sassafras trees that smell so sweet become the next Wild Wood Weed?
If so, what will become of file’ gumbo? Who knows? I would definitely be
interested in your opinions on this one.
E-mail
me and let’s discuss this before the government makes it illegal to
enjoy a non-alcohol sarsaparilla!
If
you have any questions about other uses for sassafras, email me at farmerht@yahoo.com
and I’ll tell you all I know. As always, check with an expert, such
as your doctor, before using this or any other herbal remedy.
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